Aprilia revealed an all-new product at Auto Expo 2020 in the form of a maxi-scooter styled offering called the SXR, The scooter was one of the biggest two-wheelers unveils at show, so here’s a list of 5 things that will bring you up to speed on what it has to offer:
Will be available in two variants
Just like Aprilia’s current SR range, the SXR too will be available as a 125cc variant and a 160cc variant and just like those scooters, these will feature identical styling and hardware with the differentiating factor being the colour schemes.
Shares some mechanicals with SRs
Until very recently, the larger capacity SR used a 154cc engine that has now grown to 160cc with the advent of the BS6 norms and that’s the engine that, along with the smaller 125cc engine, will be used on the SXR range. The SR models are the manufacturer’s sporty, performance oriented offerings and we understand that the SXR will have similar power and torque figures. The chassis and hardware elements like the suspension and brakes may be similar too, but we do know that the steering rake angle is more relaxed, which has resulted in a longer wheelbase. What we hope to see is a more forgiving suspension set-up to offer more comfort over the SR.
What we do know at the moment is that the SXR 125 and SXR 160 will feature 12-inch wheels in comparison to the 14-inch units on the SR range.
Smart features and connectivity
Both scooters will feature an LCD multifunction digital instrument cluster and Aprilia also tells us that it will feature optional smartphone connectivity. This will likely be accessible via an external accessory that might also enable navigation and calling features. The company is yet to reveal more details on the same.
However, we have been told that the scooters will be largely customizable in terms of accessories and the manufacturer will have a wide array of them available from the factory.
Design
The SXR models, designed in Italy, follow a maxi-scooter-like design language and interestingly, aren’t Aprilia’s first such offerings in our country. A few years ago, the Italian manufacturer sold the SRV 850 here, however, it was soon taken off the market becuase it was far too expensive.
At the moment, the only scooter that’s close in terms of design is the Suzuki Burgman - both have maxi-scooter like design elements such as an elongated footboard that extends onto the inner side of the apron and a large, wide seat. The SXR also uses a unique and sporty looking headlight unit inspired by the new RS 660 sports bike. This t accentuates the wide front end and merges well into the overall design, while tail section is similarly sharp and stylish
Pricing, availability and competition
The Burgman Street will also be the SXR 125’s most direct rival, however, the latter will likely cost considerably more. The SXR 160, on the other hand, has the advantage of being rather unique in its segment, at least until Suzuki decides to launch a larger displacement iteration of the Burgman Street.
Aprilia has revealed that it is looking to position the SXR between the Vespa and the Aprilia SR range, and its pricing will reflect this. For reference, prices for the current BS6 Vespa range start at Rs 93,000 and go up to Rs 1.3 lakh, while the Aprilia SR range starts at Rs 86,000 and goes up to Rs 1.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The SXR models will be available in four colour schemes: blue, red, white and black and will go on sale in September, with bookings opening a month earlier in August 2020.